It was on December 31, 1945, the last day of the year when the country was liberated.
Vice-chairman of the Pyongyang Municipal People’s Committee was asked by Kim Il Sung.
Kim Il Sung received him at his office and offered him a seat.
Kim Il Sung asked the vice-chairman whether preparations for holiday were well made in Pyongyang City as the next day was the New Year’s Day which the people would greet for the first time after liberation.
Realizing the reason why he was asked, the vice-chairman explained Kim Il Sung with pride that the preparations were going well.
Being satisfied with his explanation, Kim Il Sung said… From olden times it is a custom of the Korean people to be well-clothed and have a good time while enjoying nice food on the New Year’s Day. However, in the past when they were under the rule of Japanese imperialist aggressors they failed to do it due to severe exploitation, plunder and colonial suppression. We must make all the Korean people enjoy the New Year’s Day which they would celebrate significantly with delight for the first time in the country which is free from the Japanese imperialists.
The vice-chairman was deeply moved by Kim Il Sung who took affectionate measure so that the Korean people could enjoy the New Year’s Day in the liberated country even though he was busy with leading the building of a new country.
Looking out of the window, Kim Il Sung suddenly asked the vice-chairman whether it was possible to ring the Pyongyang Bell at Taedong Gate.
The vice-chairman told it was possible. Kim Il Sung told him to make the bell toll at midnight. Kim Il Sung said… Even the Pyongyang Bell failed to be tolled when the country was occupied by the Japanese imperialists but was kept in confinement. As the country was liberated, Pyongyang bell must deservedly toll.
A few hours later, the Pyongyang Bell tolled, promising the hopeful future and everlasting happiness of the Korean people.
